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Planning commission backs recommendation to ban industrial hemp, adds two‑year sunset for study
Summary
Trinity County’s Planning Commission on March 26 voted unanimously to recommend the Board of Supervisors adopt a permanent prohibition on industrial hemp cultivation, adding a two‑year sunset to allow staff to strengthen findings and study mitigation and small‑scale opportunities.
The Trinity County Planning Commission voted unanimously March 26 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors adopt an ordinance permanently prohibiting industrial hemp cultivation, while adding a two‑year sunset clause to allow time for further study and to document required legal findings.
Angela Blanchard, the county’s Agricultural Commissioner, told the commission the county’s current moratorium on industrial hemp is due to expire April 20 and staff is recommending a permanent ban, citing “pollen drift and the potential for hemp to exceed the legal THC limit” as the primary concerns. Blanchard said 336 stakeholder surveys were distributed; nearly 10% were returned, with about 50% supporting the ban and 34% opposing it.
During public comment several residents and attorneys questioned the legal basis and evidence for a countywide prohibition. Lisa Wright of Lewiston said the draft ordinance cites Food and Agricultural Code section 81003, which governs registration, not the narrower statutory authority some counties use to prohibit hemp. Wright said the record lacked the “substantial evidence” and specific factual findings required under Food & Agricultural Code §81011 to justify a countywide ban.
Industry speakers and other residents urged caution about a blanket prohibition. Tom Balenko, who said he has long experience with hemp and cannabis policy, argued the law already gives growers civil remedies against pollen trespass and pointed to small‑scale uses such as hempcrete and local value‑added products. Matthew Jefferson, who identified himself with Trinity Alps Cannacraft and Coffee Creek, urged the county to consider the potential tourism and small‑business benefits of legal, small‑scale hemp operations.
After discussion Commissioner [name not specified in transcript] moved to adopt the resolution and ordinance as proposed with an added two‑year sunset; another commissioner seconded the motion. Commissioners Flights, Foll, Harper and McIntosh each voted yes. The commission asked staff to convey to the Board of Supervisors that the sunset is intended to give staff and the community two years to document findings on pollen drift, consider mitigation measures such as buffers and size limits, and evaluate federal changes to hemp law.
The Planning Commission’s action is a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors; the Board will take the next formal action. Staff said an urgency ordinance is currently in effect to prevent a coverage gap while the matter moves forward.
What’s next: the commission’s recommendation and the proposed ordinance will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for consideration. The commission requested staff return with strengthened findings and analysis during the sunset period.
